Leading Peace & Security Expert, Senior Lecturer and Researcher with the Centre for Peace and Security Studies, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Adamawa State – Dr Chris Kwaja has said the administration of justice is a panacea to the lingering conflict and criminality that have led to the destruction of property and loss of lives in Nigeria.
Dr Chris Kwaja, who is also the Chairperson – Rapporteur to the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Working Group on Mercenaries made this known at the symbolic signing of commitment to peace at Prestige Event Centre Jebbu Bassa by the Irigwe and Fulani Communities from Miango Chiefdom of Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State.
While commending the efforts of the State Governor, Barr. Simon Lalong by making himself available and working towards achieving durable peace, Dr. Kwaja who spoke as a Representative of the United State Institute of Peace (USIP) harped on the need for a proactive justice system that will ensure victims of attacks and criminality are not left to suffer the act of criminal elements and also ensure that severe penalties are meted on perpetuators of criminal acts to serve as deterrent to others.
“If justice is not served, impunity and criminality that has adversely affected the State and Nation will continue to thrive which potent great threat to our National security and peace”
He assured the government and people of Plateau State that the USIP will continue to give the necessary support required to achieve peace and improved security in Plateau State and Nigeria. He charged the people to embrace each other and live in peace as that is the only way to attract development to their communities.
Gov. Lalong at the event disclosed that his administration has put in place measures to break the cycle of ethno-religious crisis.
According to him, resulting to violence is not the best way to handle conflict.
He expressed optimism of lasting peace and an end to the violent crisis that characterized the Miango Chiefdom which led to loss of lives and property.
He called on the people to bury their difference and live in peace.
Rev. Prof. Pandam Yamsat, Co-chairman of the Inter-Religious Council appreciated the Leaders of Irigwe and Fulani for agreeing to live in peace with each other.
He urged them to adhere to the commitment being made.
Secretary to the Government of the State, Prof. Danladi Atu lauded the decision of the warring factions to live in peace.
He reassured the people of the Government’s commitment to peace and good governance.
Director General Plateau State Peace Building Agency, Mr. Joseph Lengmang said the event is historic considering the resolve of the people to take the path of peace and coexist in harmony.
He urged the people to leave the past behind in order to forge ahead.
He said without peace, it is impossible to achieve personal & collective goals.
He appreciated the Inter-Religious Council for the mediatory role it is playing to engender peaceful existence.
He urged the parties not to renege in the peace commitment being made.
Emir of Kanam, His Royal Highness Alh. Muazu Muhammad urged the people to embrace peace and called on government to put in place measures that will ensure that persons who will go contrary to the peace commitment are penalized.
Commander Operation Safe Haven, Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Ali appreciated the Peace building efforts by the Plateau State Governor.
He said the Military will continue to work to restore peace in Plateau State.
He further said the outfit will continue to deploy both the kinetic and non-kinetic approach to consolidating on the peace achieved.
Plateau State Commissioner of Police Commissioner, Bartholomew Nnamdi Onyeka called for honesty and sincerity as both parties are committing themselves to achieving sustainable peace.
In their separate remarks the Bra Ngwe Irigwe His Royal Highness Rev. Ronku Aka, National President of Irigwe Development Association (IDA) Prince Robert Ashi Dodo and the Chairman of Bassa Local Government Council, Engr. Igmala Stephen appreciated the peace building efforts of Gov. Lalong and prayed that the peace commitment will yield the desired result.
Chairman of the Bassa Internal Peace and Security Committee Mr. John Power and the Co-Chairman Alh. Ya’u Idris signed the peace agreement on behalf of the Irigwe and Fulani communities.
Those who signed as witnesses include Chairman Bassa Local Government, Chairman Plateau Inter Religious Council Prof. Pandam Yamsat and his Co-Chairman represented by Emir of Kanam, President Irigwe Development Association, Chairman MACBAN, Kaduna Peace Commission, Commander Operation Safe Haven, Police Commissioner, PIDAN, Inter Faith Mediation Centre, United States Institute of Peace and others.
Nigeria Star News 